Newport Finish Second

NEWPORT 38, BRIDGEND 29
Newport grabbed the consolation prize of finishing second in the Welsh/ Scottish League after completing the double over Bridgend.
But there were no real celebrations at Rodney Parade as the Black and Ambers
were left wondering what might have been had they not lost two successive home league games against Neath and Cardiff.
Having led the table comfortably three weeks ago, the Gwent side took on the
Ravens just 24 hours after Llanelli’s victory at Cardiff had given the
Scarlets the title thanks to Stephen Jones’ last gasp kick.
However, they made slight amends by finishing the season on a high – sharing eight tries in a hard fought victory over the Ravens.
Shane Howarth, broken nose and all, kicked three early penalties to give the home side a cushion before the Black and Ambers were awarded a penalty try when Simon Raiwalui was obstructed just a yard from the line as he awaited a scoring pass.
Dafydd James gave Bridgend some much needed cheer when he linked with John
Devereux to sweep over for a try that Cerith Rees improved but Jason
Forster was on the mark for Nepwort three minutes later.
Adrian Garvey’s try for Newport eased any nerves but a penalty try for
Bridgend kept matters in the melting pot.
Andrew Joy bagged Bridgend’s third try and after Rod Snow had driven over
for Newport’s fourth James waltzed through a gaping hole in the Newport back division for Rees to convert.
But Howarth made sure with an injury time penalty to seal the win.
SCORERS
Newport: Tries: Penalty try, Jason Forster, Adrian Garvey, Rod Snow; Cons: Shane Howarth 3; Pens: Shane Howarth 4.
Bridgend: Tries: Dafydd James 2, Penalty Try, Andrew Joy; Cons: Cerith Rees 3; Pen: Cerith Rees.